Red Ribbon Week is a week-long event that takes place every year at Portsmouth High School. It highlights the effects of substance abuse and informs people about how to counter it. This year’s Red Ribbon Week was organized mostly by the Wellness Club at PHS, whose goal is to bring attention to the mental and physical health of students.

Some things take place every day of Red Ribbon Week, such as the Mindfulness Meditation during the Red Ribbon Week announcements every morning during the first block, which was done by the Wellness Club.

Another highlight was students presenting about Wellness Club and selling raffle tickets during lunch. Other events included the Wellness display on the Impact of Drugs and Alcohol, Sports Med students displaying mixed media projects on healthy alternatives to drugs and alcohol, and door decorating. Each day, however, had its own events for Red Ribbon Week. Below, you can find a list of the happenings from each day.

Monday:

• Library “Book of the Week” initiative

Tuesday:

• “Know the Signs” initiative
• SRO presenting Drugged Driving Goggles during lunch in the old foyer

Wednesday:

• Wear red day to support healthier lifestyles
• Parent presentation evening facilitated by Marci Blanchette, SAP, Rob Munsen, SRO, Christine Burke, Wellness Coordinator, and Rochelle Jones, PPD, from 6:00pm -7:30pm

Thursday:

• SRO presenting Drugged Driving goggles during lunch in the old foyer

Friday:

• “Good Morning PHS” initiative
• Door decorating- judging by the administration

Tatiana Kuchtey, the Co-leader of the Wellness Club, says “Wellness Club hopes to show PHS that there are endless healthy alternatives to substance abuse that help you deal with the challenges you are struggling with.”